Bad Monkey
A novel
by Carl Hiaasen
Random House Large Print 2024
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- corruption
- greed
- environmentalism
- justice
- crime and investigation
- satire
- morality
- redemption
About this book
A comic crime caper set in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, Bad Monkey follows a down-on-his-luck ex-cop who stumbles into a bizarre case with plenty of twists. Expect quirky characters, sharp satire, and lots of South Florida flavor as greed and corruption collide with environmental concerns. The tone is fast-paced and funny, with offbeat situations and snappy dialogue. Best for mature high school readers who enjoy dark humor and unconventional mysteries.
Setting: Contemporary Florida Keys and the Bahamas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Monkey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Bad Monkey. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include corruption, greed, environmentalism.
How long does it take to read Bad Monkey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bad Monkey takes around 11h to finish. The book has 105,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bad Monkey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bad Monkey has an AR quiz available, worth 15 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Bad Monkey?
Bad Monkey has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.